A Resource for Girl Scout Volunteers
Girl Scouting provides a robust program where girls can do almost anything they
like while addressing important issues in their lives.
Whether planning a ceremony, exploring a park for a Take Action project, working in a team, leading others in a Girl Scouts Forever Green event, creating computer graphics, or earning Girl Scout Bronze, Silver, or Gold Awards, girls are guided by adult volunteers who ensure that experiences are carried out through the three Girl Scout processes of Girl Led, Cooperative Learning, and Learning by Doing. Find out more about how to guide girls through the Girl Scout Leadership Experience in the adult guides to the National Leadership Journeys that accompany each Journey book for girls. See below for more about the Girl Scout Leadership Experience.
In Girl Scouting, safety always comes first. Guidelines for conducting safe Girl Scout program activities can be found in Volunteer Essentials and the Safety Activity Checkpoints available through your local Girl Scout council.
Discover more about ways to be a volunteer by visiting Volunteering.
Girl Scout Journeys
The Girl Scout Leadership Experience is made easy and fun for girls and adults through the Journey approach.
- Journeys provide an important foundation for each level in Girl Scouting for girls and volunteers.
- The Journeys have been created to provide meaningful and fun experiences centered on the three keys to leadership for all girls.
- Journeys help girls to frame topical issues that are all around them, with Girl Scout values.
- In partnership with adults who utilize the Girl Scout processes, girls encounter a safe environment, both physically and emotionally.
- Girls become aware of women who have used their talents, skills, and abilities, including celebrity status, to take raise public awareness on issues such as discrimination and personal rights.
- Girls see examples of females who have spoken and acted with courage, confidence, and character.
As girls progress through the levels, from Daisy to Ambassador, their awards signify attaining new and higher levels of knowledge and skills, and ultimately a deeper understanding of what it means to be a leader who makes a difference in the world.
Girl Scout Leadership Experience
The Girl Scout Leadership Experience engages girls in discovering self, connecting with others, and taking action to make the world a better place. All Girl Scout experiences are intentionally designed to tie to one or more of the 15 national leadership outcomes (PDF), or benefits, categorized under three keys to leadership.
The Three Keys to Leadership
- Discover: Girls understand themselves and their values and use their knowledge and skills to explore the world.
- Connect: Girls care about, inspire, and team with others locally and globally.
- Take Action: Girls act to make the world a better place.
The Girl Scout Leadership Experience provides three processes for adults partnering with girls to incorporate: Girl Led, Cooperative Learning, and Learning by Doing.
Read more information on this exciting transformation by downloading a copy of "Transforming Leadership."
See an online introduction to the Girl Scout Leadership Experience, including the Journeys. Be sure to watch the beginning video!
Bridging Awards
Learn how bridging awards mark a girl's transition from one leadership level to the next.
Where to Place Insignia on a Uniform
Girl Scout awards, badges, patches, and other insignia should be presented, worn, or displayed only after Girl Scouts have completed the requirements outlined in the appropriate program materials. See the proper uniform placement at each program level.
